Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Aster novi-begii 'Baldco'
Farmington Michaelmas Daisy
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Height
- 15 to 18 inches
- Width
- up to 2 feet
- Flower color
- Pale lilac flowers with yellow centers
- Foliage color
- Smooth, shiny, mid-green to purple-tinted, lance-shaped leaves
- Bloom time
- Early September through October
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil
- Maintenance
- Low
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 4 to 8
- Wildlife
- Attracts butterflies and other pollinators
About this plant
Aster novi-belgii 'Baldco' is a compact perennial cultivar derived from the New York aster, native to the eastern United States and Canada. Blooming from early September through the first frost, 'Baldco' showcases masses of pale lilac, daisy-like flowers with yellow centers, creating a soft and abundant floral display. The blossoms are complemented by especially dark green, lance-shaped foliage.
This cultivar is noted for its sturdy, compact growth habit, and exhibits a strong resistance to mildew, ensuring the foliage remains healthy and attractive throughout the growing season. Its prolific blooming and reliable performance make it a valuable addition to perennial borders, cottage gardens, and naturalistic plantings, offering late-season color and serving as a nectar source for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Works well in
Borders · Sun Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Rain Gardens · Containers
Companion plants
Bearded irises · Bee balm · Yarrow · Ornamental grasses · Garden phlox · Black-eyed Susans
Design tip
Use it as a steady framework plant, repeating it along a bed to tie separate plantings together. In full sun it holds its shape best, and grouping several together keeps the color strong enough to be seen from across the garden.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen in the Oregon trial garden at Monrovia.
